Rumour Mill: Ranson eyes Saints for takeover

Southampton have become a takeover target for millionaire businessman Ray Ranson.

He has already made unsuccessful attempts to buy his old club Manchester City and Aston Villa and has not turned his attentions to the South Coast's Championship side.

Saints were linked earlier in the year with a bid from Seattle billionaire Paul Allen but that never materialised and their boardroom appears to be in disarray following the summer departure of former chairman Leon Crouch.

Ranson believes his consortium will be able to plough funds into the club which will enable them to bring Premier League action back to the St Mary's Stadium.

Newcastle have revealed there are no more get-out clauses in Michael Owen's contract and the club insist they will decide when the England striker leaves St James' Park.

Owen had a £6million opt-out clause in place during the last transfer window but Magpies owner Mike Ashley maintains it no longer applies.